This is the 68th Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 14th Sthalam on the north side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. This temple is also considered as the 11th Sakthi peedam. The temple is in the heart of Sirkazhi city. Sirkazhi is the birth place of Thirugnanasambandar, one of the 63 Nayanmars and First of the Moovar, who are the instrumental to regain and flourish the saivam in Tamil Nadu.
The place Sirkazhi was called in 12 different names via, Brahmapuram, Venupuram, Pukali, Venkudu, Thonipuram, Poonthurai, Sirapuram, SaNbai, Kazhumalam, Kalipuram, Puravam, Kochaivayam, etc. The same was mentioned by Thirugnanasambandar as...
பிரமனூர் வேணுபுரம் புகலி வெங்குருப் பெருநீர்த்தோணி
புரமன்னு பூந்தராய் பொன்னுஞ்சிரபுரம் புறவஞ் சண்பை,
பரமனூர் பன்னிரண்டாய் நின்றதிருக் கழுமலம் நாம் பரவும் ஊரே
Sekkizhar in his Periya Puranam mentions that out of 4169 hymns sung by Thirugnanasambandar, this is the first hymn sung by him at Sirkazhi, which starts with தோடு உடைய செவியன் – thodudaiya seviyan...
செம்மைபெற எடுத்த திருத்தோடுடைய செவியன் எனும்
மெய்ம்மை மொழித்திருப்பதிகம் பிரமபுரம் மேவினார்
தம்மை அடையாளங்களுடன் சாற்றித் தாதையர்க்கு
எம்மைஇது செய்த பிரான் இவன் அன்றே என இசைத்தார்
Thirugnanasambandar, Appar, Sundarar and Vallalar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. Since this was the birth place of Thirugnanasambandar and considered as s most sacred place and Sundarar don’t want to step in. So he worshiped Lord Shiva and asked his darshan, from the outskirts of the City.
தோடு உடைய செவியன் விடை ஏறி ஓர் தூ மதி சூடிக்
காடு உடைய சுடலைப் பொடி பூசி என் உள்ளம் கவர் கள்வன்
ஏடு உடைய மலரான் முனை நாள் பணிந்து ஏத்த அருள் செய்த
பீடு உடைய பிர மாபுரம் மேவிய பெம்மான் இவன் அன்றே.
....... திருஞானசம்பந்தர்
நாலஞ்சு புள்ளினம் ஏந்தினஎன்பர் நளிர்மதியம்
கால்கொண்ட வண்கைச் சடைவிரித்து ஆடும் கழுமலவர்க்கு
ஆளன்றி மற்றும் உண்டோ அந்தண்ஆழி அகலிடமே
....... திருநாவுக்கரசு சுவாமிகள்சாதலும் பிறத்தலும் தவிர்த்தெனை வகுத்துத்
தன்னருள் தந்தஎம் தலைவனை மலையின்
மாதினை மதித்தங்கொர் பால்கொண்ட மணியை
வருபுனல் சடையிடை வைத்த எம் மானை
ஏதிலென் மனத்துக்கோர் இரும்புண்ட நீரை
எண்வகை ஒருவனை எங்கள்பி ரானைக்
காதில்வெண் குழையானைக் கடல்கொள மிதந்த
கழுமல வளநகர்க் கண்டுகொண் டேனே
.......... சுந்தரர்-“அருகாத
கார்காழில் நெஞ்சக் கவுணியர்க்குப் போதமருள்
சீர்காழி ஞானத் திரவியமே
........... திரு அருட்பாMoolavar : Sri Brahmapureeswarar, Sri Thoniappar,
Sri Sattainathar.
Consort : Sri Periyanayagi, Sri Thirunilai Nayagi.
Some of the important features of this temple’s are .....
The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram, Balipeedam Rishabam and Dwajasthambam are in front of the mukha mandapa. The Temple tank is after the Rajagopuram. Somaskandar is near the sanctum sanctorum. Dwarapalakas are on both sides of the sanctum sanctorum entrance. In koshtam, Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Brahma, Durgai, Pichadanar, Bairavar and Ganga Visajanar /Alinganamurti.
In prakaram Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Chandikeswarar and 63var. Shiva Lingas, Nalvar, Santhana kuravars, Saptamatrikas, Muthu Sattainathaar, a separate sannadhi for Ashta bhairavas.
The 15th Century Arunagirinathar has sung Hymns in praise of Lord Muruga of this temple. It is believed that Thirugnanasambandar is considered as the incarnation of Lord Muruga, Hence he is called as ilaya pillayar.
தந்த னந்தன தன தன தனவென
வண்டு விண்டிசை முரல்தரு மணமலர்
தங்கு சண்பக முகிலள வுயர்தரு பொழில்மீதே
சங்கு நன்குமிழ் தரளமு மெழில்பெறு
துங்க வொண்பணி மணிகளும் வெயில்விடு
சண்பை யம்பதி மருவிய அமரர்கள் பெருமாளே
SPECIALTIES OF THIS TEMPLE
The temple has the maximum number ie 71, Thevara hymns sung by the moovar. There are 22 sacred water bodies associated with this temple. Lord Shiva graces in Three forms as Brahma, Maha Vishnu and Shiva. Bhairava is considered as equivalent to Kasi. Hence special poojas are performed on Valarpirai ( new moon – amavasya ) and Theipirai ( Full moon –Pournami ) 8th day ie ashtami day.
Lord Shiva is believed to be the maker of all laws ( Satta Nathar ), A 3 tired Shrine – Brahmapureeswarar at the base as Shiva Linga with Goddess Thiru Nilai Nayaki, in the second level Sri Periya Nayakar as Thoniappar ( considered as Guru ) with Periya Nayaki – on a raft ( Thoni ), on the 3rd Level Bhairavar as Sattainathar and unified form of Sangamam.
This is the place where Thirugnanasambandar called Thirunavukkarasar as “Appa”, which turned to Appar latter. Thiruneelakanda Yazhpanar accompanied with Thirugnanasambandar during all his pilgrimages. This is the birth place of Gananatha Nayanar one of the 63 nayanmars. Sattai Muni Siddhar, one of the 18 Siddhar, Jeeva Samadhi with a peedam is in inside this temple. Lord Shiva of this temple was praised by Nalvar, Arunagirinathar, Gannathar, Pattinathar, Sekkizhar, Arunachala kavirayar, Nambiyandar Nambigal, Muthu Thandava Desikar and Vallalar
ARCHITECTURE
The main temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam and mukha mandapam. The adhistanam is of pratibandham with padma jagathy, vrudha kumuda, vyyalavari. The Bhitti starts with Kapotam, Brahmakantha, Vishnukantha and Indra kantha pilasters supports the wall. Kumbha panjaras are between salaipathi and karnapathi. Koshtas are of sala types without mahara thorana.
The prastram is with valapi, kapotam with nasis and vyyalavari. Bhutaganas are in the valapi. An Ekathala, stucco Vimanam is on the sanctum sanctorum. The Greeva koshtas are extended up to sigaram Maha nasis. Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu with his consorts and Brahma with his consorts are in greeva Koshtams. The Praharam is of mada style with two tier.
An unique malai Koil/ like mada Koil type with 3 tiers on the back side of the sanctum sanctorum, Thoniappar – beautiful big sila roopam / stucco, signifies Kailayam in which Lord Shiva and Parvati are in sitting Posture, two male and two female images are on the back side and Utsavars are in front of Lord Shiva and Parvati. On 3rd tier, Sattainathar- can be viewed through window.
HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
The original temple may belongs to 6th to 7th Century and reconstructed during Chozhas period and extended during Telugu chozhas, Vijayanagara Nayaks and latter Pallavas.
There are about 46 inscriptions recorded from this temple. The inscriptions belongs to Latter Chozhas, Pallava King Koperunchingan and Vijayanagara Nayaks. As per the inscriptions this place was under Rajathiraja valanadu. Lord Shiva was called as Thiruthonipuram Udayar and Ambal was called as Periya Nachiyar. Thirugnanasambandar was mentioned as Aludaya Pillaiyar. Most of the inscriptions records the endowment of nandhavanam, Burning of Perpetual lamps, Naivedyam like Adaikaiyamuthu, Ilaiyamuthu etc.
Thiribhuvana chakravarthi Konerimai Kondan’s reign inscription records that a sannidhi was constructed for Aludaya Pillaiyar ie Thirugnanasambandar, by the King’s kitchen staff, an old woman, called Uyyavanthal Rajavithyathiri ( Vithyathiri – a title given to her). The first Prakara was reconstructed by Nuramboondan, son of Vanamalikai Udayan Vemban Vysian, who lived at Vadagur Uthamachaozha Peruntheru inside the Gangaikonda Chozhapuram, Gangai konda Chozhan, thirumathil. The same king Konerimai Kondan’s 6th year 193rd day reign, a land at measuring 4 veli at Uyyakondar Valanattu Ambar nattu, Mathur was gifted to this temple as irayili, by Kovan Nambi.
Further when the King was at Sri Kalahasti, a Land was donated to Aludai Pillayar Temple. Chozhavalanattu Akkoor nattu Thalachangattu sabhai assembled at Mummudi Chozhan perambalam donated a land measuring 5 veli, to Thirukazhumalam Aludaya Pillayar temple, named as Kannaru at Chozhapandya Nallur in Thalachangadu. This Land was donated to the endowment of Naivedyam.
In 1393 CE, Veerahariharayar’s son Sri Viruppanna Udayar gifted 40 ma land to Aludaya Pillayar temple. Venmani Kizhan Adkonda Nayakan Thirunatta Peruman, gifted one ma land towards Naivedyam, Pooja on special days, annual function.
The Rajathirajan’s 12th year reign inscription records the endowment of naivedyam to Aluday Pillayar Sannadhi Mangaiyarkarasi Nachiyar, a land was gifted by Santhosha pallava Araiyar of Thirukazhumala nattu Veerachozha Nallur.
The Viruppanna Udayar Period inscription records that there was a madam by name Thirunerimaligai Madam existed during that time.
Natarajar and Sivakami: Rajathirajan’s 16th year reign inscription records that Chozha Nadu Suththamali valanattu Vennikootrathu Kuna Nadu, Araiyan Pothappi Chozhan after conquering Veera Pandyan, brought the Natarajar ( Koothadum Thevar ) and Sivakami from Pandya Country, installed at this Thiruthonipuram Udayar temple. For Pooja 2 veli land at Akkoor, was donated.
This is one of the 27 temples administered by Dharmapura Adheenam. Under 25th Maha sannidhanam Sri-la-Sri Subramaniya Desika Gnanasambanda Paramachariyar’s period, in 1946, Thirupani was done TripurasundaraiAmbal Temple, Praharam, Sri Devendra Lingam, Chandikeswarar Sannidhi, cement flooring of Main Sanctum inner praharam and Mandapam, raising of floor levels with stone slabs of Main sanctum and Mukha mandapam.
Maha Kumbhabhishekam was conducted on 17th March 1952.
LEGENDS:
This is the birth place of Thirugnanasambandar and he was fortunate to receive milk ( Ganappal ) from Ambal, when he was a child. He was called in different names like Aludai Pillai, SivakanRu, Thamizhaakaran, Kazhipillai, Kazhikoman etc,. His Thevaram was grouped in first 3 thirumurai. Nambiyandar Nambigal in his Thirumurai Kanda Puranam mentions as...
பண்புற்ற திருஞான சம்பந்தர் பதிகம் முந்நூற்
றொன்பத்து நான்கினால் இலங்குதி ருமுறை மூன்று.
He had done many miracles during his life span of 16 Years. This is the birth place of Gananatha Nayanar one of the 63 Nayanmars, had done thiruthondu / service in this temple. It is believed that, Murugan, Kali, Brahma, Mahavishnu, Guru, Indran, Suryan, Chandran, Agni, Adiseshan, Raghu, Ketu and Vyasar worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple.
It is believed that during Pralaya, Lord Shiva with Parvati brought 64 arts in a raft ( Thoni in Tamil ) to this temple. Hence Lord Shiva is called as Thoniappar.
In one Legend, Lord Shiva as Sattainathar – Bhairavar-quelled the arrogance of Maha Vishnu’s avathara as Thiruvikrama, who killed Mahabali Chakravarthy. Special Poojas are conducted on every Friday’s night and will end around midnight.
Brahma worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple. Hence Lord shiva is called as Brahmapureeswarar. In additions to this Devas, Maharishis worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple.
POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
Apart from regular poojas, Pradosham, 10 days brahmotsavam with 2 nd day Thirumulaipal urchavam in Chithirai ( April – May ), Karthigai deepam in Karthigai ( November – December ), Thiruvathirai in Margazhi ( December – January ), Maha Shivaratri in Masi ( February –March ), Aadi Pooram in Aadi month ( July–August ) and Navaratri in Puratasi ( September–October ).
TEMPLE TIMINGS:
The temple will be kept opened between 06.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 16.00 hrs to 21.00 hrs
CONTACT DETAILS :
The Land line number +91 4364 270235, may be contacted for further details.
HOW TO REACH :
Buses are available from different parts of Tamil Nadu to this temple town
The temple is 19 KM from Chidambaram, 20 KM from Mayiladuthurai, 240 KM from Chennai.
Nearest railway station is Sirkazhi.
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE
May be a Chozha King 
Buddha bas-relief on a Pillar
Padmanidhi & Sanganidhi
Dwarapalakas
Thoniappar
Under renovation
Pichadanar and Bairavar
Rasi & Nakshtras
Gangadharar / Gangavisargnar / Alingana murti
Saptamatrikas---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---
The Heritage visit to this Sri Sattainathar Temple at Sirkazhi was a part of “Mada Temples Heritage Walk in Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai Districts”, organised by “Chozha Mandala Varalatru Thedal Kuzhu – GCHRG, on 05th and 6th March 2022. Thanks to V Ramachandran, Thasildar of Nagapattinam, who took us to all these Temples. This is the second Visit to this temple.
This is the 68th Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 14th Sthalam on the north side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. This temple is also considered as the 11th Sakthi peedam. The temple is in the heart of Sirkazhi city. Sirkazhi is the birth place of Thirugnanasambandar, one of the 63 Nayanmars and First of the Moovar, who are the instrumental to regain and flourish the saivam in Tamil Nadu.
The place Sirkazhi was called in 12 different names via, Brahmapuram, Venupuram, Pukali, Venkudu, Thonipuram, Poonthurai, Sirapuram, SaNbai, Kazhumalam, Kalipuram, Puravam, Kochaivayam, etc. The same was mentioned by Thirugnanasambandar as...
பிரமனூர் வேணுபுரம் புகலி வெங்குருப் பெருநீர்த்தோணி
புரமன்னு பூந்தராய் பொன்னுஞ்சிரபுரம் புறவஞ் சண்பை,
பரமனூர் பன்னிரண்டாய் நின்றதிருக் கழுமலம் நாம் பரவும் ஊரே
புரமன்னு பூந்தராய் பொன்னுஞ்சிரபுரம் புறவஞ் சண்பை,
பரமனூர் பன்னிரண்டாய் நின்றதிருக் கழுமலம் நாம் பரவும் ஊரே
Sekkizhar in his Periya Puranam mentions that out of 4169 hymns sung by Thirugnanasambandar, this is the first hymn sung by him at Sirkazhi, which starts with தோடு உடைய செவியன் – thodudaiya seviyan...
செம்மைபெற எடுத்த திருத்தோடுடைய செவியன் எனும்
மெய்ம்மை மொழித்திருப்பதிகம் பிரமபுரம் மேவினார்
தம்மை அடையாளங்களுடன் சாற்றித் தாதையர்க்கு
எம்மைஇது செய்த பிரான் இவன் அன்றே என இசைத்தார்
மெய்ம்மை மொழித்திருப்பதிகம் பிரமபுரம் மேவினார்
தம்மை அடையாளங்களுடன் சாற்றித் தாதையர்க்கு
எம்மைஇது செய்த பிரான் இவன் அன்றே என இசைத்தார்
Thirugnanasambandar, Appar, Sundarar and Vallalar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. Since this was the birth place of Thirugnanasambandar and considered as s most sacred place and Sundarar don’t want to step in. So he worshiped Lord Shiva and asked his darshan, from the outskirts of the City.
தோடு உடைய செவியன் விடை ஏறி ஓர் தூ மதி சூடிக்
காடு உடைய சுடலைப் பொடி பூசி என் உள்ளம் கவர் கள்வன்
ஏடு உடைய மலரான் முனை நாள் பணிந்து ஏத்த அருள் செய்த
பீடு உடைய பிர மாபுரம் மேவிய பெம்மான் இவன் அன்றே.
நாலஞ்சு புள்ளினம் ஏந்தினஎன்பர் நளிர்மதியம்
கால்கொண்ட வண்கைச் சடைவிரித்து ஆடும் கழுமலவர்க்கு
ஆளன்றி மற்றும் உண்டோ அந்தண்ஆழி அகலிடமே
தன்னருள் தந்தஎம் தலைவனை மலையின்
மாதினை மதித்தங்கொர் பால்கொண்ட மணியை
வருபுனல் சடையிடை வைத்த எம் மானை
ஏதிலென் மனத்துக்கோர் இரும்புண்ட நீரை
எண்வகை ஒருவனை எங்கள்பி ரானைக்
காதில்வெண் குழையானைக் கடல்கொள மிதந்த
கழுமல வளநகர்க் கண்டுகொண் டேனே
கார்காழில் நெஞ்சக் கவுணியர்க்குப் போதமருள்
சீர்காழி ஞானத் திரவியமே
Sri Sattainathar.
Consort : Sri Periyanayagi, Sri Thirunilai Nayagi.
காடு உடைய சுடலைப் பொடி பூசி என் உள்ளம் கவர் கள்வன்
ஏடு உடைய மலரான் முனை நாள் பணிந்து ஏத்த அருள் செய்த
பீடு உடைய பிர மாபுரம் மேவிய பெம்மான் இவன் அன்றே.
....... திருஞானசம்பந்தர்
நாலஞ்சு புள்ளினம் ஏந்தினஎன்பர் நளிர்மதியம்
கால்கொண்ட வண்கைச் சடைவிரித்து ஆடும் கழுமலவர்க்கு
ஆளன்றி மற்றும் உண்டோ அந்தண்ஆழி அகலிடமே
....... திருநாவுக்கரசு சுவாமிகள்
சாதலும் பிறத்தலும் தவிர்த்தெனை வகுத்துத்தன்னருள் தந்தஎம் தலைவனை மலையின்
மாதினை மதித்தங்கொர் பால்கொண்ட மணியை
வருபுனல் சடையிடை வைத்த எம் மானை
ஏதிலென் மனத்துக்கோர் இரும்புண்ட நீரை
எண்வகை ஒருவனை எங்கள்பி ரானைக்
காதில்வெண் குழையானைக் கடல்கொள மிதந்த
கழுமல வளநகர்க் கண்டுகொண் டேனே
.......... சுந்தரர்
-“அருகாதகார்காழில் நெஞ்சக் கவுணியர்க்குப் போதமருள்
சீர்காழி ஞானத் திரவியமே
........... திரு அருட்பா
Moolavar : Sri Brahmapureeswarar, Sri Thoniappar,Sri Sattainathar.
Consort : Sri Periyanayagi, Sri Thirunilai Nayagi.
Some of the important features of this temple’s are .....
The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram, Balipeedam Rishabam and Dwajasthambam are in front of the mukha mandapa. The Temple tank is after the Rajagopuram. Somaskandar is near the sanctum sanctorum. Dwarapalakas are on both sides of the sanctum sanctorum entrance. In koshtam, Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Brahma, Durgai, Pichadanar, Bairavar and Ganga Visajanar /Alinganamurti.
The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram, Balipeedam Rishabam and Dwajasthambam are in front of the mukha mandapa. The Temple tank is after the Rajagopuram. Somaskandar is near the sanctum sanctorum. Dwarapalakas are on both sides of the sanctum sanctorum entrance. In koshtam, Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Brahma, Durgai, Pichadanar, Bairavar and Ganga Visajanar /Alinganamurti.
In prakaram Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Chandikeswarar and 63var. Shiva Lingas, Nalvar, Santhana kuravars, Saptamatrikas, Muthu Sattainathaar, a separate sannadhi for Ashta bhairavas.
The 15th Century Arunagirinathar has sung Hymns in praise of Lord Muruga of this temple. It is believed that Thirugnanasambandar is considered as the incarnation of Lord Muruga, Hence he is called as ilaya pillayar.
தந்த னந்தன தன தன தனவென
வண்டு விண்டிசை முரல்தரு மணமலர்
தங்கு சண்பக முகிலள வுயர்தரு பொழில்மீதே
சங்கு நன்குமிழ் தரளமு மெழில்பெறு
துங்க வொண்பணி மணிகளும் வெயில்விடு
சண்பை யம்பதி மருவிய அமரர்கள் பெருமாளே
வண்டு விண்டிசை முரல்தரு மணமலர்
தங்கு சண்பக முகிலள வுயர்தரு பொழில்மீதே
சங்கு நன்குமிழ் தரளமு மெழில்பெறு
துங்க வொண்பணி மணிகளும் வெயில்விடு
சண்பை யம்பதி மருவிய அமரர்கள் பெருமாளே
SPECIALTIES OF THIS TEMPLE
The temple has the maximum number ie 71, Thevara hymns sung by the moovar. There are 22 sacred water bodies associated with this temple. Lord Shiva graces in Three forms as Brahma, Maha Vishnu and Shiva. Bhairava is considered as equivalent to Kasi. Hence special poojas are performed on Valarpirai ( new moon – amavasya ) and Theipirai ( Full moon –Pournami ) 8th day ie ashtami day.
The temple has the maximum number ie 71, Thevara hymns sung by the moovar. There are 22 sacred water bodies associated with this temple. Lord Shiva graces in Three forms as Brahma, Maha Vishnu and Shiva. Bhairava is considered as equivalent to Kasi. Hence special poojas are performed on Valarpirai ( new moon – amavasya ) and Theipirai ( Full moon –Pournami ) 8th day ie ashtami day.
Lord Shiva is believed to be the maker of all laws ( Satta Nathar ), A 3 tired Shrine – Brahmapureeswarar at the base as Shiva Linga with Goddess Thiru Nilai Nayaki, in the second level Sri Periya Nayakar as Thoniappar ( considered as Guru ) with Periya Nayaki – on a raft ( Thoni ), on the 3rd Level Bhairavar as Sattainathar and unified form of Sangamam.
This is the place where Thirugnanasambandar called Thirunavukkarasar as “Appa”, which turned to Appar latter. Thiruneelakanda Yazhpanar accompanied with Thirugnanasambandar during all his pilgrimages. This is the birth place of Gananatha Nayanar one of the 63 nayanmars. Sattai Muni Siddhar, one of the 18 Siddhar, Jeeva Samadhi with a peedam is in inside this temple. Lord Shiva of this temple was praised by Nalvar, Arunagirinathar, Gannathar, Pattinathar, Sekkizhar, Arunachala kavirayar, Nambiyandar Nambigal, Muthu Thandava Desikar and Vallalar
ARCHITECTURE
The main temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam and mukha mandapam. The adhistanam is of pratibandham with padma jagathy, vrudha kumuda, vyyalavari. The Bhitti starts with Kapotam, Brahmakantha, Vishnukantha and Indra kantha pilasters supports the wall. Kumbha panjaras are between salaipathi and karnapathi. Koshtas are of sala types without mahara thorana.
The main temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam and mukha mandapam. The adhistanam is of pratibandham with padma jagathy, vrudha kumuda, vyyalavari. The Bhitti starts with Kapotam, Brahmakantha, Vishnukantha and Indra kantha pilasters supports the wall. Kumbha panjaras are between salaipathi and karnapathi. Koshtas are of sala types without mahara thorana.
The prastram is with valapi, kapotam with nasis and vyyalavari. Bhutaganas are in the valapi. An Ekathala, stucco Vimanam is on the sanctum sanctorum. The Greeva koshtas are extended up to sigaram Maha nasis. Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu with his consorts and Brahma with his consorts are in greeva Koshtams. The Praharam is of mada style with two tier.
An unique malai Koil/ like mada Koil type with 3 tiers on the back side of the sanctum sanctorum, Thoniappar – beautiful big sila roopam / stucco, signifies Kailayam in which Lord Shiva and Parvati are in sitting Posture, two male and two female images are on the back side and Utsavars are in front of Lord Shiva and Parvati. On 3rd tier, Sattainathar- can be viewed through window.
HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
The original temple may belongs to 6th to 7th Century and reconstructed during Chozhas period and extended during Telugu chozhas, Vijayanagara Nayaks and latter Pallavas.
The original temple may belongs to 6th to 7th Century and reconstructed during Chozhas period and extended during Telugu chozhas, Vijayanagara Nayaks and latter Pallavas.
There are about 46 inscriptions recorded from this temple. The inscriptions belongs to Latter Chozhas, Pallava King Koperunchingan and Vijayanagara Nayaks. As per the inscriptions this place was under Rajathiraja valanadu. Lord Shiva was called as Thiruthonipuram Udayar and Ambal was called as Periya Nachiyar. Thirugnanasambandar was mentioned as Aludaya Pillaiyar. Most of the inscriptions records the endowment of nandhavanam, Burning of Perpetual lamps, Naivedyam like Adaikaiyamuthu, Ilaiyamuthu etc.
Thiribhuvana chakravarthi Konerimai Kondan’s reign inscription records that a sannidhi was constructed for Aludaya Pillaiyar ie Thirugnanasambandar, by the King’s kitchen staff, an old woman, called Uyyavanthal Rajavithyathiri ( Vithyathiri – a title given to her). The first Prakara was reconstructed by Nuramboondan, son of Vanamalikai Udayan Vemban Vysian, who lived at Vadagur Uthamachaozha Peruntheru inside the Gangaikonda Chozhapuram, Gangai konda Chozhan, thirumathil. The same king Konerimai Kondan’s 6th year 193rd day reign, a land at measuring 4 veli at Uyyakondar Valanattu Ambar nattu, Mathur was gifted to this temple as irayili, by Kovan Nambi.
Further when the King was at Sri Kalahasti, a Land was donated to Aludai Pillayar Temple. Chozhavalanattu Akkoor nattu Thalachangattu sabhai assembled at Mummudi Chozhan perambalam donated a land measuring 5 veli, to Thirukazhumalam Aludaya Pillayar temple, named as Kannaru at Chozhapandya Nallur in Thalachangadu. This Land was donated to the endowment of Naivedyam.
In 1393 CE, Veerahariharayar’s son Sri Viruppanna Udayar gifted 40 ma land to Aludaya Pillayar temple. Venmani Kizhan Adkonda Nayakan Thirunatta Peruman, gifted one ma land towards Naivedyam, Pooja on special days, annual function.
The Rajathirajan’s 12th year reign inscription records the endowment of naivedyam to Aluday Pillayar Sannadhi Mangaiyarkarasi Nachiyar, a land was gifted by Santhosha pallava Araiyar of Thirukazhumala nattu Veerachozha Nallur.
The Viruppanna Udayar Period inscription records that there was a madam by name Thirunerimaligai Madam existed during that time.
Natarajar and Sivakami: Rajathirajan’s 16th year reign inscription records that Chozha Nadu Suththamali valanattu Vennikootrathu Kuna Nadu, Araiyan Pothappi Chozhan after conquering Veera Pandyan, brought the Natarajar ( Koothadum Thevar ) and Sivakami from Pandya Country, installed at this Thiruthonipuram Udayar temple. For Pooja 2 veli land at Akkoor, was donated.
This is one of the 27 temples administered by Dharmapura Adheenam. Under 25th Maha sannidhanam Sri-la-Sri Subramaniya Desika Gnanasambanda Paramachariyar’s period, in 1946, Thirupani was done TripurasundaraiAmbal Temple, Praharam, Sri Devendra Lingam, Chandikeswarar Sannidhi, cement flooring of Main Sanctum inner praharam and Mandapam, raising of floor levels with stone slabs of Main sanctum and Mukha mandapam.
Maha Kumbhabhishekam was conducted on 17th March 1952.
LEGENDS:
This is the birth place of Thirugnanasambandar and he was fortunate to receive milk ( Ganappal ) from Ambal, when he was a child. He was called in different names like Aludai Pillai, SivakanRu, Thamizhaakaran, Kazhipillai, Kazhikoman etc,. His Thevaram was grouped in first 3 thirumurai. Nambiyandar Nambigal in his Thirumurai Kanda Puranam mentions as...
This is the birth place of Thirugnanasambandar and he was fortunate to receive milk ( Ganappal ) from Ambal, when he was a child. He was called in different names like Aludai Pillai, SivakanRu, Thamizhaakaran, Kazhipillai, Kazhikoman etc,. His Thevaram was grouped in first 3 thirumurai. Nambiyandar Nambigal in his Thirumurai Kanda Puranam mentions as...
பண்புற்ற திருஞான சம்பந்தர் பதிகம் முந்நூற்
றொன்பத்து நான்கினால் இலங்குதி ருமுறை மூன்று.
றொன்பத்து நான்கினால் இலங்குதி ருமுறை மூன்று.
He had done many miracles during his life span of 16 Years. This is the birth place of Gananatha Nayanar one of the 63 Nayanmars, had done thiruthondu / service in this temple. It is believed that, Murugan, Kali, Brahma, Mahavishnu, Guru, Indran, Suryan, Chandran, Agni, Adiseshan, Raghu, Ketu and Vyasar worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple.
It is believed that during Pralaya, Lord Shiva with Parvati brought 64 arts in a raft ( Thoni in Tamil ) to this temple. Hence Lord Shiva is called as Thoniappar.
In one Legend, Lord Shiva as Sattainathar – Bhairavar-quelled the arrogance of Maha Vishnu’s avathara as Thiruvikrama, who killed Mahabali Chakravarthy. Special Poojas are conducted on every Friday’s night and will end around midnight.
Brahma worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple. Hence Lord shiva is called as Brahmapureeswarar. In additions to this Devas, Maharishis worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple.
POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
Apart from regular poojas, Pradosham, 10 days brahmotsavam with 2 nd day Thirumulaipal urchavam in Chithirai ( April – May ), Karthigai deepam in Karthigai ( November – December ), Thiruvathirai in Margazhi ( December – January ), Maha Shivaratri in Masi ( February –March ), Aadi Pooram in Aadi month ( July–August ) and Navaratri in Puratasi ( September–October ).
Apart from regular poojas, Pradosham, 10 days brahmotsavam with 2 nd day Thirumulaipal urchavam in Chithirai ( April – May ), Karthigai deepam in Karthigai ( November – December ), Thiruvathirai in Margazhi ( December – January ), Maha Shivaratri in Masi ( February –March ), Aadi Pooram in Aadi month ( July–August ) and Navaratri in Puratasi ( September–October ).
TEMPLE TIMINGS:
The temple will be kept opened between 06.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 16.00 hrs to 21.00 hrs
The temple will be kept opened between 06.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 16.00 hrs to 21.00 hrs
CONTACT DETAILS :
The Land line number +91 4364 270235, may be contacted for further details.
The Land line number +91 4364 270235, may be contacted for further details.
HOW TO REACH :
Buses are available from different parts of Tamil Nadu to this temple town
The temple is 19 KM from Chidambaram, 20 KM from Mayiladuthurai, 240 KM from Chennai.
Nearest railway station is Sirkazhi.
Buses are available from different parts of Tamil Nadu to this temple town
The temple is 19 KM from Chidambaram, 20 KM from Mayiladuthurai, 240 KM from Chennai.
Nearest railway station is Sirkazhi.
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE
May be a Chozha King
Buddha bas-relief on a Pillar
Padmanidhi & Sanganidhi
Dwarapalakas
Thoniappar
Under renovation
Pichadanar and Bairavar
Rasi & Nakshtras
Gangadharar / Gangavisargnar / Alingana murti
Saptamatrikas
---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---
The Heritage visit to this Sri Sattainathar Temple at Sirkazhi was a part of “Mada Temples Heritage Walk in Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai Districts”, organised by “Chozha Mandala Varalatru Thedal Kuzhu – GCHRG, on 05th and 6th March 2022. Thanks to V Ramachandran, Thasildar of Nagapattinam, who took us to all these Temples. This is the second Visit to this temple.
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